Living sustainably doesn't have to be complicated. By making a few simple changes in our everyday routines, we can make a big impact on our environment. Here we'll explore various ways you can reduce your environmental footprint by reusing and recycling common items you'll find in your home. These tips offer guidance on how you and your family can live more sustainably whilst saving money and helping to safeguard the planet - helping you towards your next step to sustainable living.
1. Leftover coffee can be used as fertiliser
Did you know that coffee grounds can make an excellent fertiliser for your plants? Instead of throwing them in the rubbish bin you can reuse them to help your garden thrive especially at this time of year. By using coffee grounds as fertiliser, you're not only reducing waste but also living a more sustainable lifestyle without having to invest in anything! You may also save on buying fertiliser (depending on the amount of coffee that you and your family drink).
So how does this work? Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen and other nutrients that plants need to grow and what's more, they're a natural way to repel common garden pests like snails and slugs. Here's how to get started:
- Collect your coffee grounds. It's important to note that this will only work if you are using ground coffee or have a machine that will grind your coffee beans. You aren't able to recycle your instant coffee or disposable coffee pods in this way.
- Let the grounds dry out. Spread them out on a newspaper or a paper towel and place them somewhere warm like a sunny windowsill and let them dry for a day or two. This will help prevent mould from forming.
- Sprinkle the grounds on your soil. Once the grounds are dry, you can add them to your garden soil or mix them in with compost. Be careful not to add too much at once, as this can raise the acidity levels of your soil and affect the plants or vegetables that are looking to grow.
Give it a try and watch your plants thrive!
2. Make your own cleaning cloths out of clothes or supermarket bags
When it comes to keeping our homes clean and dust-free, we often reach for paper towels or disposable wipes. However, these items create unnecessary waste and are harmful to the environment. One simple solution is to repurpose old t-shirts, or even plastic bags, as cleaning rags. They might not seem like they have much use beyond carrying groceries home or carrying a wet PE or lunch into work, but a plastic bag can actually be transformed into this surprisingly useful household. Instead of throwing those old plastic bags in the rubbish or binning clothes you no longer wear, try cutting them up into small squares or strips to use as rags. These can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces, cleaning up spills, or dusting and will save on the non-recyclable wipes that fill up the kitchen bin.
3. Use jars as decorative items or vases
One easy way to reuse household items and reduce waste is by repurposing glass jars as vases. Instead of buying new vases, simply clean out old glass jars, remove any labels, and use them to display fresh flowers or other decorative items. This is a great way to add some greenery and life to your home while also being a little more sustainable. Not only is reusing glass jars as vases a budget-friendly option, but it also helps to reduce waste and lower your environmental impact. In addition to being an environmentally-conscious choice, using glass jars as vases also offers a unique and charming look for your home decor. Whether you prefer a vintage or modern aesthetic, glass jars can be customised to match your style.
4. Cardboard boxes make for great storage
One common household item that is often discarded after just one use is a cardboard box and these days, households receive a lot of them. With busy family and work lives, it's often a lot easier to order something off Amazon than to pop down to your local supermarket and that means that we end up with a lot of cardboard waste. However, with a little bit of creativity, you can transform these boxes into practical and eco-friendly storage solutions.
Firstly, cardboard boxes can be used to store items in your home, garage or office. Simply cover the boxes in decorative wrapping paper, or paint them to match your decor. You can stack the boxes on top of each other to create an attractive storage solution that blends seamlessly with your interior design. If you have children, you can use cardboard boxes to store their toys, games and craft supplies. These boxes can be painted in bright colours or decorated with stickers, making them an exciting addition to your child's bedroom or playroom and a great activity for them to get involved with.
Alternatively, you can cut the cardboard boxes to create magazine holders, shoe organisers or filing trays. These can be customized to fit your specific needs and can help you keep your home organised and clutter-free. Finally, cardboard boxes can also be used for storage during your next move. They are a great alternative to plastic bins or paper bags and can help you transport your items in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way.
5. Use leftover tins as plant pots
Looking for a budget-friendly and eco-friendly way to spruce up your garden or indoor space? Look no further than the humble tin can! These versatile containers can be used to house your plants and herbs, and they also make for a charming and rustic addition to any decor. Here are a few tips on how to turn your old tin cans into beautiful and functional plant pots:
- Clean and prepare the tin cans: Before you start planting, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the cans. You can also remove any sharp edges with a can opener or sandpaper.
- Add drainage holes: To prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of your tin cans, use a hammer and nail to make a few small holes.
- Choose your plants: Tin cans are perfect for growing herbs, small flowers, or even succulents. Just make sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the size of your tin can and can thrive in a container without drainage.
- Fill the cans with soil: Once you've chosen your plants, fill the cans with potting soil, leaving enough space at the top for watering.
- Decorate and label: For a fun and personal touch, decorate your tin cans with paint, stickers, or other embellishments. You can also label them with the names of your plants or herbs.
Tin cans are not only a great way to upcycle everyday items, but they also provide a sustainable and inexpensive alternative to traditional plant pots. So next time you're looking for a DIY project, consider repurposing your old tin cans and start planting!
There are countless ways to reduce waste in your everyday life, and reusing common household items is a simple yet effective way to do so. From using leftover coffee grounds to help your garden to flourish, to repurposing your everyday jars, boxes, tins and clothes, there are so many opportunities to live more sustainably. By adopting simple habits of reusing items instead of throwing them into the bin, you can not only decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills but also save money and give new life to items that may have otherwise been discarded.
Every small step counts towards a more sustainable future, and reusing household items is a great place to start.
